Freedom Run & Parade

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Morgan Hill's Fourth of July celebrations include an early morning 5K run over the parade route (twice).  Under the direction of Barbi Kutilek, five members of the club took on assignments along the course, from the starting line to the finish balloons.  My task was to get the start of the race.  I positioned myself at just the right spot, took a few preliminary shots and waited for the moment when the runners would surge forward.  I didn't include that picture here because when I pushed the shutter button nothing happened.  Auto focus could not immediately find a line on which to focus so it refused to take the picture.  I should have pre-focused and then switched to manual focus.  I have taken many race starts and should have known better.  The camera fired on the second click, but I  missed the decisive moment.  

But... I waited for the runners to come by on the first lap and took this (if I may say so myself) outstanding, worthy of a Sports Illustrated or Runner's World cover, photograph.  

Five runners in sync, in the air, 

and the young man in the front won the race.

After the awards ceremony, I moved down to the corner of Main and Monterey to watch the parade (preceded by a parade of 100 cars) and wait for AAUW's flag waving women.

If you stand on your head and look at this tuba reflection, 

you can see me taking the photo.  Go ahead, try it!

Happy Independence Day!